UPDATE ON CLASSES: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the Cultural Arts Center class registration (originally scheduled for April 18) is on hold until further notice. Please check back for updates or visit columbus.gov/RecParksCOVID19/ for information about all Columbus Recreation and Parks programs.

Main Gallery

Fine Art Exhibitions by Ohio Artists

OUR EXHIBITIONS ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATED INFORMATION SOON.

The Main Gallery is our space for group, individual and juried art exhibitions. The exhibitions, which usually last for about a month and a half, display an assortment of artistic themes and media, and feature impressive work by artists across the state of Ohio and beyond.

Does this matɔh?

Todd Camp will debut a new series of space-specific work that transforms the Cultural Arts Center gallery into four intimate vignettes with painted chairs, couches, and lighting that melt into and become a continuation of the paintings on the walls behind it. The painting becomes part of the chair and the chair part of the painting. The gallery walls will reflect color, texture, wallpaper, and other interior elements to replicate a dichotomy of decorating choices and begging the question “Does this match?” The answer is affirmation of successful decorating. Viewers are left to ponder their own personal spaces and the importance placed on art and design in their life, if any.

Interwoven

From stripes to batiks, paisleys to vivid flower prints, textures play a pivotal role in artist Elaine Fleck’s work, who will be exhibiting “Interwoven” at the Cultural Arts Center this spring.

What were originally hand embroidered scenes are now paintings with a background of the endless variety of man-made prints available and created technique, allowing her to merge a passion of both textiles and painting.

2020 Main Gallery Exhibit Schedule

Archetypes

January 10-February 15

Originally inspired by the skeletal remains of animals, Connie Campbell has evolved an approach to sculpture in wood and metal that follows systematic mathematical ratios from the “Golden Section.” Complexity arises naturally from simple forms

Does this matɔh?

February 21-April 1

How do the items we surround ourselves with reflect our personal aesthetic? In this series of space-specific work, Todd Camp transforms the Cultural Arts Center gallery into four intimate vignettes with painted chairs, couches, and lighting that melt into and become a continuation of the paintings on the walls behind it. Viewers get to ponder their own personal spaces and the importance placed on art and design in their lives.

Interwoven

April 10-May 23

Artist Elaine Fleck presents a selection of mixed-media works that merge fabric and oils into unique representations of the human figure, landscapes, and still lifes. The exhibition is a rich blending of textures and vibrant colors that focus on nature and how humans are an integral part of it.

Art at the Center 2020 - Faculty of the Cultural Arts Center

May 29-June 20

The Cultural Arts Center’s faculty and staff are featured in this bi-annual exhibition scheduled to coincide with the Columbus Arts Festival. The Center’s Faculty are all professional artists, many of whom hold advanced degrees in art. Their work covers a wide range of media and styles.

Art at the Center 2020 - Students of the Cultural Arts Center

June 26-July 18

Students taking studio classes are invited to show the best of their work, and demonstrate the amazing range of artistic possibilities available within the Cultural Arts Center. Come and be inspired to take a class.

Transmediation: Art, Music, and Meaning

July 24-August 26

Visual artist, Karin Dahl, and pianist/composer, Harrison Ponce, explore how art and music combine to enhance meaning, showing that music plus art is more than either medium alone. The exhibit will include abstract paintings accompanied by original musical compositions. The artists will be joined for the opening by Ucelli: The Columbus Cello Quartet.

Campfire Stories: Textile Art in our Public Lands

September 4-October 3

A self-described “outdoorist,” artist Sue King developed a deep passion for camping, hiking and canoeing in early childhood. Much of her textile artwork bears a message of conservation and preservation, inspired by her frequent service as Artist in Residence at numerous National Parks and other public lands.

The Collectors

November 20-January 2, 2021

Friends of the Cultural Arts Center and noted collectors, Ric Castorano and Doug Howard, share some their favorite pieces by local artists (including students and faculty of the CAC). This holiday treat is sure to inspire others to begin their collections as well.

2021 Schedule TBA

Gallery Proposal Guidelines

The Main Gallery comprises approximately 2800 sq. ft. We feature several types of exhibits – invitational shows, theme shows, and responses to an open call to individuals artists, artist teams and arts organizations. Requests for proposals are sent out periodically through a variety of opportunity notices. Proposals may be sent at any time to the address below, and they will be considered in the next review cycle. We typically schedule exhibitions 12 to 18 months in advance.

We have a set of comprehensive guidelines for artists interested in being featured the Main Gallery.

NOTE: We are currently in the process of updating our gallery specs and images. Check back soon!